On the road, the Hongqi E-QM5’s driving dynamics clearly reflect its pragmatic positioning in the mobility services market. Available with either a 100 kW or 140 kW single electric motor, its power delivery is smooth and linear in the initial acceleration phase, prioritizing stability and ease of control over performance thrills. Even with full throttle, the surge of acceleration remains gentle—evidently calibrated to ensure passenger comfort rather than driver excitement. In contrast, the BYD Qin PLUS EV offers a broader range of motor outputs and benefits from BYD’s e-Platform 3.0, delivering more immediate throttle response and a livelier, distinctly modern EV driving feel that retains a degree of driver engagement.

In urban environments, the Hongqi E-QM5’s suspension tuning leans heavily toward comfort. The front MacPherson struts and rear multi-link independent setup effectively absorb minor road imperfections, transmitting only softened vibrations into the cabin. When traversing speed bumps, the damping feels slightly loose, resulting in noticeable body float—but overall ride comfort remains acceptable for its segment. At highway speeds, wind and road noise are managed adequately, aligning with expectations for its price point. The Qin PLUS EV, by comparison, strikes a more composed balance: its chassis handles repeated undulations with greater composure and exhibits superior high-speed stability and structural integrity—a testament to BYD’s refined tuning expertise in mainstream sedans.

From a handling perspective, the Hongqi E-QM5 features light steering with noticeable play and vague on-center feel, resulting in delayed turn-in response. Body roll is pronounced during cornering, underscoring that dynamic agility was never a design priority; instead, the focus is squarely on relaxed, stress-free transportation. The Qin PLUS EV also favors light steering but offers marginally sharper feedback and better directional precision, providing a subtly improved sense of connection between driver and vehicle. Both cars embody conventional comfort-oriented setups, yet the BYD model demonstrates a slight edge in dynamic finesse.

“The moment you drive the Hongqi E-QM5, its core mission becomes unmistakable: to maximize rear-seat serenity and stability. Every aspect of its driving character deliberately minimizes the driver’s role, elevating ‘smooth arrival’ to its highest principle. This is a highly functional driving experience—one fundamentally distinct from private vehicles designed for personal driving pleasure.”— Liu Yang, Senior Automotive Journalist

The driver’s seating position in the Hongqi E-QM5 is well-judged, offering an open field of vision. Seat cushioning is soft, though lateral support is modest—suited more for relaxed long-distance cruising than spirited driving. Its generous 2,990 mm wheelbase translates into a spacious cockpit feel. In comparison, the Qin PLUS EV provides comparable comfort with slightly better bolstering and ergonomics tailored more closely to mainstream private-car expectations.

Visibility is generally good: the Hongqi E-QM5’s elongated hood and steeply raked A-pillars create minimal obstruction, though its split-headlight design may require brief acclimatization. The Qin PLUS EV, as a conventional three-box sedan, delivers balanced all-around visibility with no significant blind spots—aligning seamlessly with everyday driving habits.

The interior is where the two models diverge most starkly in philosophy. The Hongqi E-QM5 adopts a symmetrical, conservative layout with a floating center screen and a reasonable number of physical buttons—functional and tidy, yet lacking standout tech or stylistic flair.

Its design language lags behind higher-tier Hongqi models, relying largely on hard plastics and basic soft-touch materials, emphasizing durability over luxury. Conversely, the Qin PLUS EV showcases BYD’s contemporary family design: a rotating touchscreen, minimalist dashboard, and more refined material choices create a noticeably more upscale and tech-forward ambiance that appeals strongly to individual buyers.

Infotainment further highlights this gap. The Hongqi E-QM5’s system meets basic needs but offers average responsiveness and limited expandability. BYD’s DiLink ecosystem, however, excels in screen quality, interface fluidity, voice recognition accuracy, and app ecosystem depth—core strengths that underscore BYD’s leadership in the EV era.

Space is the Hongqi E-QM5’s defining strength. Its extraordinary 2,990 mm wheelbase is almost entirely dedicated to rear legroom, delivering limousine-like knee clearance rarely seen even in higher-priced segments. Rear seat cushions are long, and backrest angles are comfortable. While the Qin PLUS EV already offers class-leading rear space for family use, it cannot match the Hongqi E-QM5’s “category-breaking” rear dimensions. That said, BYD’s rear seats may provide slightly better thigh support and overall comfort.

Both vehicles offer ample door bins, cupholders, and center console storage. The Hongqi E-QM5’s trunk capacity is 433 liters; the Qin PLUS EV offers 450 liters—both sufficient for daily needs.

“If your primary criterion for an EV sedan is ensuring maximum comfort and legroom for rear passengers—especially elderly family members or children—the Hongqi E-QM5 presents a near-‘game-breaking’ proposition at this price point. It carves out a precise niche for users with uncompromising space demands.”— Wang Yue, Editor-in-Chief, Family Mobility Report

Pricing between the Hongqi E-QM5 and Qin PLUS EV overlaps significantly, with the Hongqi sometimes undercutting BYD. However, their configuration strategies differ sharply. The Hongqi E-QM5 doubles down on rear-seat luxury: high trims feature rear-seat ventilation, heating, massage functions, and dedicated climate controls—features typically reserved for premium flagships. In contrast, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and infotainment capabilities remain modest.            

The Qin PLUS EV, meanwhile, delivers a more balanced package: DiPilot ADAS, comprehensive comfort tech, and modern connectivity cater to families seeking a versatile, all-around performer.In terms of charging and range, the Hongqi E-QM5 offers 54 kWh and 82 kWh battery options (NEDC: 431 km / 605 km), with standard charging speeds. The Qin PLUS EV provides 48–72 kWh variants (CLTC: 420–610 km) and benefits from BYD’s extensive charging network and industry-leading energy efficiency—resulting in stronger real-world range confidence and user satisfaction.

Safety-wise, both models meet baseline requirements with essential structural design, ESP, and multiple airbags. However, the Qin PLUS EV generally offers broader availability of advanced active safety features.

“The comparison between the Hongqi E-QM5 and BYD Qin PLUS EV reveals the growing segmentation and specialization within today’s EV market. One is a ‘specialist’ meticulously engineered for a specific use case—mobility services and extreme rear-space demands. The other is a ‘well-rounded valedictorian’ built for the mass family market. Choosing between them isn’t merely about specs—it’s a reflection of lifestyle priorities and core ownership values.”— Zhao Ming, Automotive Market Analyst

1. What is the Hongqi E-QM5?

A compact all-electric sedan from China’s Hongqi brand, originally developed for premium ride-hailing and government fleet use. It stands out with an exceptionally long wheelbase and class-leading rear passenger space, while also being available to private buyers.

2. What are the Hongqi E-QM5’s key strengths?

Its unparalleled rear legroom (2,990 mm wheelbase), superior rear-seat comfort, and the prestige associated with the Hongqi marque. For buyers whose top priority is maximizing rear-passenger experience, it offers unmatched value in its segment.

3. How does the Hongqi E-QM5 differ from the BYD Qin PLUS EV? Which should I choose?

Choose the Hongqi E-QM5 if you frequently carry rear passengers (e.g., family elders or clients) and prioritize limousine-like rear space, comfort-focused rear amenities, and brand distinction. Ideal for chauffeur-driven or family-centric usage.Choose the Qin PLUS EV if you seek a balanced, reliable, and tech-rich EV with mature e-platform technology, lower energy consumption, better driving dynamics, and strong resale value—perfect for everyday private ownership.

User Comments:

****YML：The headrest in the center rear seat folds down but can be raised upright.

*****817：The best value-for-money electric car.